We can still have tourists however much we do not have poverty in a society because terrorism is a desire and someone’s interest to harm and earn

(Mike(Uganda) at October 10, 2016 4:25 pm)

Which is it – tourists or terrorists? I think they are different Mike. What kind of society have we made where it can be in someones interest to harm others? What can we do to make it better?

(Kenny (Rwanda( at October 16, 2016 7:24 pm)

It’s not poverty – it’s religion is the problem that makes terrorists

(Salim Uganda at October 24, 2016 12:26 pm)

No some terrorists just enjoy the act because it is their source of living

(Yazid (Uganda) at October 25, 2016 7:57 pm)

Some terrorists want to fulfill their selfish interest resulting from competition

(Nakato (Uganda) at October 25, 2016 7:59 pm)

i think one of the main causes of terrorism is religion not only poverty. So I don’t think that solving poverty will be the only answer to reducing terrorism

(Victoria (South Africa) at October 26, 2016 10:18 am)

The motives behind terrorism is not only driven my poverty but other types of disparity and inequality and poverty in the traditional sense is just one perspective. Therefore ending poverty wouldn’t end terrorism.

(Sudi at October 26, 2016 7:19 pm)

There is no one cause for terrorism and, usually, terrorism is more driven by anger at an inability to achieve their purpose by peaceful, democratic means (see the Frustration- Aggression hypothesis, Dollard, Doob, Miller, Mowrer, & Sears (1939)). They then latch it onto a cause in order to add legitimacy to their actions.

(Alex at October 27, 2016 9:40 am)

Yazid, what do you mean by ’source of living’? Do you mean money or that they enjoy being terrorists?

(Anna, UK at October 27, 2016 11:08 am)

yes, without poverty there would not be terrorism, everybody would be having money. People do terrorism because they want money.

(UMARU(uGANDA) at October 27, 2016 11:13 am)

Yes because when you get terrorism when there is someone with more power.

(Sida Steven (Uganda-Jinja) at October 27, 2016 11:17 am)

Yes i agree because there will be no need to strugle

(Steven (UGANDA) at October 27, 2016 11:18 am)

Even if there is no poverty there will still be poverty because human desires are never complete

(Shakira (Uganda) at October 27, 2016 11:20 am)

I dont think terrorism is driven by anger, but because of self-interest.

(Sida Steven (Uganda-Jinja) at October 27, 2016 11:23 am)

Some people just kill, not because of money. It could be religion.

(David (Uganda-Jinja) at October 27, 2016 11:30 am)

Not really because poverty is not all about wealth in the world

(Tiff (Uganda) at October 27, 2016 11:39 am)

Victoria how is religion a source of terrorism

(Hamida (Uganda) at October 27, 2016 11:41 am)

I think to reduce terrorists is to arrest and charge them in court

(Francis(Uganda) at October 27, 2016 11:44 am)

=)S

(Anonymous at October 27, 2016 12:00 pm)

the leaders should help in delivering their roles

(Hassan (Uganda) at October 27, 2016 12:05 pm)

I think if governments could arrest terrorists, they would. But it is much harder than that. Many terrorist organisation are huge, well-organised and untouchable.
how else might we stop terrorism? Would equality in the world stop it?

(Anna, UK at October 27, 2016 12:08 pm)

it is because of ideological differences among believers that has brought terrorism

(yazid(Uganda) at October 27, 2016 12:22 pm)

Yazid, what do you think these ideological differences are? Where do they come from and why are they different?

(Anna, UK at October 27, 2016 12:23 pm)

Religions have lead to terrorism simply because the terrorist come from strong religious countries but in most cases the terrorists are after killing others.

terrorism is mostly experienced in countries which are developed. this means that poverty does not explain terrorism.

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Posted by YUSUF(UGANDA (Questions: 0, Answers: 2258)

Answered on October 27, 2016 12:11 pm

As far as i’m aware, this is not true. Iraq is the country most affected by terrorism annually. Followed by placed like Afghanistan, Nigeria, Pakistan, Syria etc.
See here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_Terrorism_Index
Or any other trusted source of statistics.
It would be a push to describe any of these countries as fully ”developed” ones.

I think the media has a big role in creating more terrorism. They are a catalyst for antagonism between different people, cultures, societies and countries. Without the media, would there be less terrorism?

Although poverty seems to contribute to the popularity of terrorism, I do not believe terrorism is comprised solely of those people in poverty.
Terrorism is a method used by an entity (be it a physical entity like a country, or an ideological one, like a religion) who is or perceives itself in conflict with another entity. By nature of it including the killing outside of “official” or “authorised” means, it is perhaps the most brutal method one can use in conflict, as official and authorised warfare usually exists to avoid out-of-control brutality.
As far as I can see, terrorism only requires two conditions for it to exist. One condition is conflict. Conflict often centres around some token of power or control (land, rare materials etc.). When two groups both want to obtain a token of power or control, and neither are willing to compromise on some middleground, then a conflict arises. It seems there have been very few long points in human history that have avoided any conflict. Perhaps it is a natural territorial disposition. Although I cannot pin down exactly what it is that causes conflict, it seems safe to assume it cannot be put down to poverty. There are many instances of the rich and powerful in conflict, which makes me not want to put the existence of conflict down solely to poverty. Thus i’d like to think it is a safe assumption to believe conflict would still exist in our world without poverty.
To the second condition, which comes back to what I said about the brutality of terrorism, there needs to be a world such that people in conflict in this world are willing to steer away from the “official” and “authorised” means of warfare in order to settle the conflict. I believe this condition is fulfilled so long as people exist with two main qualities. One being a great level of greed, such that they would rather use unofficial/unauthorised means of warfare than conduct their warfare to whatever standards have been put in place. The other being an approach to warfare and killing that does not differentiate in terms of level of brutality, or does not care about such a differentiation. For example, someone who does not care for the differences of killing a soldier and a civilian. This quality seems to be perfectly capable of arriving out of greed of the rich and powerful, and not necessarily of those in poverty. Thus, I don’t believe any of these two main qualities are satisfied purely by the existence of poverty. It is not only people in poverty who have such qualities.
It seems perfectly capable that a wealthy world could satisfy both these conditions, and those people within the world could possess all of these qualities.

Poverty can refer to a lack of finances, lack of education, lack of status and lack of ability to remove themselves from their situation, so these reasons could contribute to feelings of injustice and a need for bolder actions such as terrorism in order to get their views heard. However during my lifetime I’ve not seen enough evidence to conclude it is the presence of poverty in the world which leads to terrorism. In cases I’ve seen it can be people highly educated and with status within their community who can commit these terrorist acts in order to enforce an ideal onto others. I think terrorism stems more from vehement disagreements in people’s opinions on how the world should be, and as that would not be eradicated by removing all poverty, there would still be room for terrorism to exist.

unsure whether it’s more likely globally, but young people in poverty have needs that can be exploited and so may be targets. terrorism IS linked to ideologies butwe’re concerned about young people living in poverty being exploited by terrorist groups.

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Posted by RETRAK (Questions: 0, Answers: 2258)

Answered on October 27, 2016 9:08 am

Yes this may be right but what can our leaders do to help out the young people into this act

(Anouk(Holland) at October 27, 2016 11:53 am)

we should start by talking to their parents

(Yazid(Uganda) at October 27, 2016 11:59 am)

No i do not agree, because poverty is a state of not having enough money to meet basic needs like shelter, food etc while terrorism is the unlawful use of force and violence against persons, property to intimidate the government where most of the poverty striken country were terrorised so according to me i think terrorism is one of the reasons why some countries have become poor. Even if we had a rich world it would not stop terrorism because people would still want to revenge against their enemies, they would still have a feeling of force to cause change and they would still have force full means as away to cause change which are the reason why terrorism germinates.

I think what is important to look at here is how we can define ‘terrorist’. We call organisations, such as ISIS, ‘terrorists’, but what about the UK, USA and Saudi Arabia, to name but a few? Are they terrorists for dropping bombs on places like Syria? If so, I don’t think poverty is the root of terrorism.

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Posted by Anna, UK (Questions: 0, Answers: 2258)

Answered on October 26, 2016 10:05 pm

So do you think that terrorists are all violent people then? Where does violent stop and terrorism begin?

(James at October 27, 2016 8:58 am)

Not necessarily, it would be interesting to think about whether politicians are terrorists. Just because they are not holding a gun, doesn’t mean some aren’t involved

(Anna, UK at October 27, 2016 11:10 am)

Their violence starts from killing innocent people

(Ochaaya(Uganda) at October 27, 2016 11:55 am)

No terrorism may be concerned about poverty but also revenge among nations

(Tiff(Uganda) at October 27, 2016 12:43 pm)

most terrorists want to kill but they are not after money but they just want people to lose their lives

Having spent time as an expat child in Yemen, I have witnessed acts of terror and extreme poverty. I do not believe that terrorism cannot be truly eradicated through increased wealth, as violent behaviours like this have existed since mankinds existence. However, poverty increases the numbers of people joining in these groups to create extremist movements which scapegoats other races, religions and/or countries to make sense and take revenge on the unfairness of what is lacking in their lives.
Therefore, I believe with this strong correlation between poverty and terrorism that increasing the standards of living to a more equitable level would decrease acts of mass destruction.

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Posted by Jill (Questions: 0, Answers: 2258)

Answered on October 26, 2016 7:28 pm

Poverty could lead to terrorism if poverty combines poor education. However a lot of terrorists do not lack education or intelligence nor money. ISIS can realise its goals through money

All war is terrorism and all soldiers are terrorists. I don’t think it is only poverty that brings them there. I blame politicians the most for creating terrorists.

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Posted by IRAQ (Questions: 0, Answers: 2258)

Answered on October 25, 2016 6:18 pm

It is very hard to find a country with no poverty so with or without poverty there will always be terrorists because they always want to enjoy the money

(Ivan(Uganda) at October 25, 2016 8:01 pm)

Do you think there was terrorism before money was invented? If so pleasename some examples.

(Hani - Malaysia at October 26, 2016 7:29 pm)

I don’t think terrorists are related to politicians. Terrorism is something that live inside of ourselves and end up by coming outside, coming out when we loose control of our feelings. Terrorism is when we provoke some kind of minor or big damage. Money is not the reason.. the foundation is the reason why we cannot control our demons and we become terrorists. Yet will be naive from my part if i don’t acknowledge that factors, such as ; economics are push ups to arrive to a breaking point.
Terrorism is the painful,scary and little voice inside, who gets her way out and make a big nasty noise.

(carl at October 26, 2016 9:41 pm)

There were no terrorists before money was invented because every one loved each other and there was no competition

Poverty is a key contributing factor to terrorism but it is not the only one. Social injustice can take many forms – poverty is a big one, but there are others: prejudice, lack of opportunities, corruption, repression, cultural/religious alienation. Essentially, if you couple poverty with frustration at the ‘status quo’, then you have the beginning of a melting pot where terrorism can develop. BUT terrorism can grow out of areas without extreme poverty – just look at Northern Ireland or the Baader-Meinhof group in West Germany…There are many more examples of ’causes’ that have attracted support because of anger or a sense of being wronged.

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Posted by Harriett (Questions: 0, Answers: 2258)

Answered on October 24, 2016 11:05 am

But would people be feeling angry and wronged if there wasn’t some sort of poverty or inbalance in wealth in their community? After all poverty to one person might be different to another person.

(Jenny USA at October 25, 2016 6:16 pm)

I agree with you Harriet but also bad leadership where some leaders fail to deliver to the expectation

(Aaron(Uganda) at October 25, 2016 8:05 pm)

I think the answer is yes. There would still be individuals who would have fanatical ideas. But without poverty there would be no fertile recruiting ground for the ’foot soldiers’. Think of the Irish troubles, born of discrimination against Catholics and bred in those communities on the wrong side of inequality. Poverty is relative as well as absolute, and I think discontent is key ingredient in terrorism.

Sadly, I think that terrorism would still exist, even if poverty was wiped out, as it is so often associated with ideologies rather than whether you are rich or poor. However, I think it would survive in a much lesser form – the disparity between rich and poor can lead to an (understandable) anger and frustration, which in some cases may result in extreme actions and people being easily influenced to join a cause they would otherwise not associate with.

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Posted by Helen (UK) (Questions: 0, Answers: 2258)

Answered on October 24, 2016 12:34 am

You are right it is political leaders at fault. They are also the ones making the poverty.

Yes, poverty is the one overriding monster that gives rise to many other monsters that lie under its wing. There are people who seem to enjoy killing and torture but they are ‘SICK’ and need healing. Education is the key and not just for the poor where it is clearly lacking, but better education for all to promote understanding, compassion and above all alleviate fear that leads to bigotry and hatred.

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Posted by Bruce, (UK) (Questions: 0, Answers: 2258)

Answered on October 12, 2016 9:07 am

So how can we end poverty then Bruce? And can you heal someone who likes to kill? Really? Or should we just lock them up?

(Kenny (Rwanda( at October 16, 2016 7:25 pm)

yes, just because to some extent some people because they are poor end up killing others for their wealth and or to participate in unlawful things. therefore poverty to some extent leads to terrorism.

(Shakila(uganda) at October 27, 2016 11:28 am)

Its not true that its only poverty that causes or leads people into terrorism activities but its always seen that those developed countries are ones that experience this. countries such as America. there fore poverty would not be a point on its own but rather some other factors such as revenge.

Yes poverty is surely the answer to most of the problems we face in this world. If you dont have povety you wont feel badly treated by the world and open to any way that brings money to your family. That is how they attract the people to terrorism. Even me if you offered me enough money I dont think I could refuse to eave the streets and join a terrorist group.

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Posted by David (Uganda) (Questions: 0, Answers: 2258)

Answered on October 11, 2016 5:57 pm

What if that terrorist group asked you to kill your own family? Money cannot hug ou or wish you goodnight

(Kenny (Rwanda( at October 16, 2016 7:26 pm)

Interesting point about money Kenny – but I side with David in this that poverty must be the biggest factor – it is the inequalities in our society that drive people to extremism. If people felt fairly treated by the world they couldn’t plan to hurt others in this way.

Many rich people also join in terrorism – but maybe you could see it as poverty of the soul that makes you able to hurt your fellow man?

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Posted by Sabine (Questions: 0, Answers: 2258)

Answered on October 9, 2016 5:58 pm

Perhaps it could be true,let’s take enough time to analyze his point.

(Alfred (Uganda) at October 9, 2016 6:27 pm)

This is to their interests it is not only poverty some it is just fun

(hamidah(Uganda) at October 10, 2016 4:18 pm)

How can killing people ever be fun hamidah?

(henry (kenya) at October 11, 2016 5:58 pm)

What does poverty of the soul mean? Is it a person without religion? Truely a terrorist can never be a religious person though they might claim differently – god is not standing with the slaughter of innocents

(Rachel Ug at October 11, 2016 5:59 pm)

There is no god left in this world – only war and lies

(Noora (Iraq) at October 11, 2016 6:00 pm)

I think we all have poverty of the soul in thsi modern world

(Kenny (Rwanda( at October 16, 2016 7:27 pm)

In our hearts is poor but in our brain is richdom

(Umar (Uganda) at October 27, 2016 11:38 am)

Even without poverty there are jealous people who do terrorism

(Hassan (Uganda) at October 27, 2016 11:41 am)

Me i think at least every individual is poor because there is being poor in mind and that is mental poverty, being poor ideologically,and then not having money or riches and that is what every individual considers as poverty.

Killing of innocent people on the name of caste, creed and community. Its really very surprising that none has made any comment here to express their clear opinion about terrorist where most of us are facing the different form of terrorism in our daily life. May poverty is one of the reason, but I think extermism, bigotry and desires of some ultra religious people is some more reasons of terrorism.

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Posted by Abhishek Pandey (India) (Questions: 0, Answers: 2258)

Answered on October 6, 2016 12:06 pm

Terrorism is the biggest threat in the world, terrorism means it is an intentional and planned event done by some community or someone for shake of self interest

(Eric (Uganda) at October 10, 2016 4:12 pm)

I think terrorism is the biggest problem in today’s world. It’s birth is due to politics to affect the opposition government and they are getting funds also from them. Terrorism increases due to literacy and unemployment not only poverty however it has made the young generation of today get deviated from their paths and indulged in such activity.

In my point of view, unemployment, poverty, corruption are some of the reasons for terrorism but not only the reasons. Inequality, priority, religion these are all also the main reason behind this

(Viola (Denmark) at October 10, 2016 4:16 pm)

Poverty has more of a role in terrorism than and also “The world is filled with hundreds and hundreds of millions of poor people who have no prospects at all, but they don’t go around killing … it in grand pronouncements that poverty does not cause terrorism.